Albanian Riviera Travel Guide (2025)

Vlorë is where Albania’s history meets the sea — a city where the country’s independence was first declared and where the Ionian and Adriatic waters intertwine. Once an ancient Greek colony known as Aulon, it later became a major port during the Roman and Ottoman eras. The city’s past lingers in every corner — from the elegant Muradie Mosque, designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, to the Independence Monument that honors Albania’s founding in 1912. History lovers will enjoy exploring the National Museum of Independence and the peaceful Zvernec Monastery, hidden on an islet in the Narta Lagoon.

Yet modern Vlorë is far from a relic. The seafront promenade, Lungomare, buzzes with life — a mix of cafés, ice-cream parlors, and palm-lined walkways overlooking the bay. Locals gather here each evening for the xhiro, a leisurely stroll that’s part ritual, part celebration of daily life. With beaches to the south, elegant hotels, and easy access to both the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, Vlorë is the perfect starting point for any Albanian Riviera adventure.

No trip along the Albanian Riviera is complete without experiencing the Llogara Pass, one of the most breathtaking mountain drives in Europe. Rising over 1,000 meters above sea level, the pass cuts through the Llogara National Park, a vast expanse of pine forests, wildflowers, and cool mountain air. The road’s twisting curves offer dramatic views — one moment you’re surrounded by mist and forest, the next you’re gazing down at the sparkling Ionian Sea far below. Stop at one of the rustic mountain lodges for grilled lamb, honey, and raki, traditional specialties of the region.

At the top of the pass, a viewpoint opens to a panorama so spectacular it almost doesn’t seem real. The turquoise coastline stretches endlessly toward Himarë and Sarandë, with the faint outline of Corfu visible on clear days. Hawks circle overhead, and the scent of pine mingles with the salty breeze. The descent is equally mesmerizing, winding down toward Dhermi and Palasë, where the sea meets the cliffs in a perfect sweep of blue. It’s not just a drive — it’s a journey through Albania’s wild, untamed beauty.

Nestled between towering mountains and a sapphire sea, Himarë captures the essence of the Albanian Riviera’s charm — small, authentic, and full of soul. Its roots go back to ancient times, when it was part of the Greek Epirus region. Today, its character reflects a unique blend of Greek and Albanian cultures, visible in the stone houses of its old town and the warm hospitality of its people. Climb up to Himara Castle, a crumbling hilltop fortress that offers sweeping views of the coast, and wander its quiet alleys shaded by olive trees.

Below the old town lies the modern seaside promenade, where turquoise water laps at beaches like Spile and Livadi. Himarë is more about atmosphere than luxury — a place to slow down, share grilled seafood with friends, and watch the sun dip behind the mountains. It’s also perfectly placed for exploring nearby beaches such as Filikuri Bay, a hidden cove accessible only by boat or a steep path. In Himarë, time feels slower, the light softer, and the sea somehow bluer — the kind of coastal simplicity that travelers fall in love with and never forget.

Borsh is a land of contrasts — at once vast and tranquil, ancient and alive. Its beach stretches for nearly seven kilometers, the longest on the Albanian Riviera, with gentle waves and water so clear you can see the pebbles beneath your feet. Unlike more developed resort towns, Borsh still feels wonderfully local. Olive groves cascade down the hillsides, and small family-run restaurants serve seafood caught that morning. The smell of salt and grilled sardines fills the air, and children play where the mountains touch the sea.

Above it all rises Borsh Castle, a timeless guardian perched on a hill. Its ruins date back to the 4th century BC, later rebuilt by Byzantines and Ottomans who recognized its strategic view over the coast. Inside the crumbling walls stands a small Ottoman mosque, quiet and serene among the stones. The climb is steep but rewarding — from the top, you can see the sea glitter endlessly below, framed by olive trees and history. Borsh is a place that doesn’t try to impress — it simply exists in harmony with nature, inviting you to do the same.

Tucked between Borsh and Himarë, the stone village of Qeparo feels like a step back in time. Divided into two parts — the old village on the hillside and the new by the sea — it perfectly captures the Riviera’s dual spirit of heritage and serenity. Old Qeparo is a maze of cobblestone lanes, arched doorways, and terracotta rooftops surrounded by fig and pomegranate trees. Here, life moves at its own rhythm — slow, peaceful, and deeply connected to the land.

Down below, New Qeparo opens to a beautiful bay with a quiet beach and a handful of family-run hotels and tavernas. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply listening to the sound of the waves. Few places along the Riviera feel this untouched — Qeparo is a living postcard of Mediterranean simplicity, where every turn of the road offers another breathtaking view of the sea. Whether you stay for a night or a week, it has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left.

At the southern end of Albania’s Ionian coast, Sarandë stands as the Riviera’s vibrant cultural and coastal hub — a place where history, hospitality, and the sea converge. Once a sleepy fishing village, Sarandë has grown into a lively resort town, yet it retains the relaxed charm that defines the Albanian Riviera. Its crescent-shaped bay shimmers beneath terraced hillsides, with the Greek island of Corfu visible across the water. Along the palm-lined promenade, locals and travelers alike gather for evening strolls, enjoying the golden light that softens the city as the sun sets behind Lekursi Castle.

Sarandë’s appeal lies in its balance of the old and new. Ancient ruins and Byzantine monasteries sit alongside modern cafés and boutique hotels. Visit the Monastery of Forty Saints, the city’s namesake, for panoramic views and a glimpse into early Christian history. Then descend to the waterfront, where fishing boats bob gently beside yachts, and the scent of grilled seafood fills the air. With nearby treasures like the Blue Eye Spring and Butrint National Park, Sarandë serves as both a destination and a gateway — a coastal city that embodies the Riviera’s spirit of timeless beauty and discovery.

Just fifteen minutes south of Sarandë lies Ksamil, a coastal paradise that feels almost too perfect to be real. With its soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and three tiny islands scattered offshore, Ksamil is the Riviera’s most photogenic gem — often compared to the Caribbean for its color and clarity. The beaches here are small and intimate, framed by olive trees and beach cafés that spill onto the sand. Wooden boats and kayaks glide between the islands, where you can find quiet coves and shallow lagoons ideal for swimming or snorkeling.

Despite its growing popularity, Ksamil still holds an air of simplicity. Family-run restaurants serve grilled fish, fresh salads, and local wine with views over the Ionian, while children play in the shallows. The pace of life slows, the sea sparkles, and time seems to stretch in the afternoon heat. A short drive south leads to Butrint National Park, Albania’s most significant archaeological site, where ancient ruins rise among reeds and mirror-like waters. For travelers seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, serenity, and culture, Ksamil is the shining crown of the Albanian Riviera.